Wednesday, February 3, 2016

By Randy Rios
Sticking to a healthy diet and managing what you eat while traveling can be one of the most difficult things for people to accomplish. Eating out brings an endless array of problems to those already struggling to lose fat and gain muscle. For those "special people" who can eat everything they want and not gain fat - I commend you. You are dismissed. As for the remaining 99.9% of us, we need guidance and strict regiment in our fat loss diets. However, if you learn how to make smart choices, a healthy fat loss diet is readily available just about anywhere. Needless to say, your first day of vacation travel is probably not the best time in which to start a weight or fat loss diet, but if you are already making healthy food choices, modifying your diet slightly to accommodate travel can be an easy an rewarding experience.

If you are traveling my airplane on a flight that will last less than four hours, save yourself a few bucks and save your calories for after you arrive at your destination. You only have so many calories you can eat before you reach that limit where your body starts storing calories as fat reserve. Besides, you don't need to spend your hard earned money or your daily caloric limit on over-priced tasteless food. Just drink bottled water, chew sugar-free gum, and wait until you arrive where you are going. You will be glad you did. If your flight is taking you for more than a three or four hour ride, ask your travel agent about your food options and insist upon the vegetarian dish. Vegetarian dishes are sometimes more nutritional and will contain less animal fat, which generally means less calories. Remember, you are sitting still while on the plane - your caloric burn will be very low, so if you must eat, keep it light and keep it low calorie - and sugar free. Use some common sense and you will not only continue to lose fat while on vacation, but you can save money too. For instance, if you can eat a healthy meal before you arrive at the airport you are one on the right track. Take a zip lock bag full of veggies and remember to pass on the alcohol. That's right - no booze while trying to lose fat.

Did I mention that you are trying to eat healthy? Also, when driving or taking a bus, you may be tempted to stop at fast food restaurants. Big no-no. Avoid fast food at all costs! I know that while on vacation, you may wish to splurge a tiny bit, but having fast food more than once a week can hinder your fat loss and play havoc with your metabolism. If you must eat at a fast food restaurant, choose the healthiest options available, like skinless chicken breast, salad, and sugar free drinks. Don't forget that you can also can prepare and take your own food when traveling. Whole-wheat or pita bread, some lean sliced turkey, and fat-free cheese with yellow mustard is a great way to avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol junk food binges. Make sure you take an ice cooler or arrange for a refrigerator in your hotel room so you aren't forced to eat out.

Let us not forget about making smart choices for our fat loss and muscle gain goals. If you choose salads or pasta always ask for the dressing on the side and don't be afraid to ask about low-carb options. In fact, many restaurants print nutritional facts directly in the menu for the health-conscious people. Always control your portions. You can do this easily by ordering lunch menu sizes or splitting the meal in half and saving the rest for another meal. If you never eat the entire meal served to you when eating out - and you will be successful in losing fat. Yes, eating healthy and being successful in food choices when you travel can be a challenge - but it is all about perspective. Believe me, your health and future wellbeing is worth the trouble. When you eat the right foods, in the right amounts, you will be helping your body fight illness now and in your later years. Besides, you can eat literally anywhere - so why spend all your time obsessing about food? Get our there, enjoy your vacation with some activity other than dining out. Enjoy your trip and eat for your health at the same time. You'll be glad you did.

Quick Tip: Give up on the fat loss and bodybuilding Gurus! There is NO magic, no DVD course, no piece of equipment, pill, powder, or shake that's going to make you successful in your fat loss or muscle building goals overnight. Are there strategies that can accelerate and boost your efforts? Yes, Absolutely. But is any "Instant Perfect Body" solution going to get you where you want to be? Absolutely not...and if anyone tells you otherwise they are trying to sell you something you DON'T need and DON'T want....I promise.